PDX Parent October 2024

FREE

MAKING PERFORMING ARTS ACCESSIBLE, PG. 24

for the long days and short years

y k o o p S S E AS O N TH E

Kids Museums GUIDE

Pg. 31

PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | SW WASHINGTON | OCTOBER 2024

Art, science, and nature like you’ve never seen before.

Exhibit on now. Tickets at OMSI.edu

contents

JER EMY DANIEL

24

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

A Hauntingly Good Halloween Map........................................................ 18

Editor’s Note.................................................................................................................... 4

Pumpkin patches, cemetery tours, creepy displays — our

Play Room.......................................................................................................................... 6

Halloween map shows you where to find all sorts of local,

Wet-weather gear for kids; Halloween candy buybacks; and

spooky family fun.

Illustrated by Susan Bard, story by Denise Castañon.

books to get you and the kids in the Halloween spirit.

The Arts for All........................................................................................................... 24

Family Supper............................................................................................................. 38

Go behind the curtains with local performing arts companies to see how they make shows accessible for all families. Plus find

casual restaurant.

By Tiffany Hill.

where to catch a kid-friendly performances this fall and winter.

By Miranda Rake.

Field Trip.......................................................................................................................... 40 Smart tips for going on a mushroom hunt with your littles.

18

By Roma Sidelinger.

Time Out........................................................................................................................... 42 Get a dose of Greek culture, learn how to cook Mexican food and more fall fun.

RESOURCES: * cover stories

BELL A ORGANIC FAR M & WINERY

Flavor combinations abound at this new Indian-Mexican fast

School Open Houses........................................................................................ 9-16 Fall Fun............................................................................................................................... 16 Kids

Museums................................................................................................ 31-36 pdxparent.com

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e d i to r ’ s n ot e

Falltime Favorites

for the long days and short years

DENISE C ASTAÑON

PDX Parent

Fall in Portland is pretty amazing. Crisp air, trees blazing with color, farms and markets bursting with autumn produce, and amazingly creative neighborhood Halloween displays. Every year my family has a list of fall must-dos. Venture to the Hood River Fruit Loop. Stop by Davis Graveyard.

Walk in the Sellwood Monster March. Head to A Hauntingly Good Halloween Map on page 18 to find all our favorites and many more. There are so many fun, spooky ideas, your family can start your own list of fall and Halloween traditions.

Oh, one more thing my family looks forward to every fall: Seeing a show! My musical-loving kids are excited to see Wicked, but we won’t want to miss Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical either! This month, writer Miranda Rake not only lists tons of wonderful, family-friendly performances happening this fall and winter, she got the inside scoop from performing arts companies on how they are working to make sure all families can access their shows.

For some companies, that means ticket prices are less than $10 per kid. For others, it’s offering sensory-friendly shows with lowered volume or performances with American Sign Language interpretation. Our Portland-area performing arts companies are a true treasure and we love being able to spotlight their inclusion efforts.

And we’ve got another way to revel in fall — take your kids on a mushroom foraging trip! Writer Roma Sidelinger details where to go, what to look for and how to keep safe on a mushroom hunting trip! Pro tip: Chanterelles are superb on pizza!

P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774 Publisher Jill Weisensee, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Managing Editor Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby meg.asby@pdxparent.com Digital Media Assistant Jackie Dunbar jackie.dunbar@pdxparent.com E-newsletter Editor Anne King anne.king@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Eastside and Vancouver Account Executive

See you out there!

Ashley Argyropoulos, 503-922-0893 ashley.argyropoulos@pdxparent.com Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/

Last year’s Sellwood Monster March was a

Distribution Coordinator

blast for Hamilton, Eliza, King George and

Melissa Light

George Washington!

melissa.light@pdxparent.com Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc.

2023

Vice President of Operations

2023

2023

2023

Rose Caudillo operations@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

ON OUR COVER

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A huge thanks to photographer Meghann Street for this ghoulishly good cover photo! “The cover image is a special photo for me, because it was my daughter‘s 17th birthday photo shoot,” says Street, who also has a 21-year-old. “It was her idea to include her friends and have a spooky session in the cemetery.” Street has a degree in oil painting and filmography, and describes her photography style as “dreamy, painterly portraits.” She’s also a big fan of Halloween and has worked with clients on extremely creative Halloween family portraits. Check them out at meghannstreetphotography.com and on Instagram @meghannstreetphotography.

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July)

by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.

The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

LITERARY ARTS FIND YOUR STORY HERE

Saturday, November 2

80+ authors • 10 stages One unmissable day Join us on Saturday, November 2 at the Portland Art Museum and neighboring venues for our tenth anniversary presenting Portland Book Festival!

Passes start at $18 advance

Youth 17 & under get in free! #PDXBookFest • pdxbookfest.org

FEATURING 100+ AUTHORS, INCLUDING

Vera Ahiyya Tracy Baptiste Max Brallier & Brian Churilla

Ani DiFranco Dan Gemeinhart Max Greenfield Shannon & Dean Hale

Dane Liu Eunice & Sabrina Moyle Jewell Parker Rhodes & Kelly McWilliams and more!

PBF 2024 guest art provided by: Jonathan Hill, Lisa Congdon, Daren Todd, Jarlisa Shunte, and Arielle Wilkins pdxparent.com

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p l ay r o o m

Bookshelf: Spooky Stories

Trick or treat! Give me something good to read! Snuggle up with your kiddos for a spooky fun story time this month. Handpicked by Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, these four books are sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. Look for these titles at the

¡Vamos! Let’s Celebrate

The Haunted Scavenger

Smith

by Raúl the Third

tacular Storybook by

Little First Stickers

Three-time Pura Belpré award-winning

Halloween is a super

author Raúl the Third brings his

fun Halloween activity

signature amazing illustrations to this

book! This book includes

new Halloween and Día de los Muertos

over 250 adorable and

picture book. Little Lobo and his friends

spooky stickers with

go trick-or-treating on Halloween night,

scenes to decorate, such

then everyone in the town prepares

as a haunted house, a

to celebrate the spirits of the people

pumpkin patch and a

they love for Día de los Muertos.

monster party. Perfect for

Illustrated with lots of details and

a cozy October afternoon

written with some Spanish vocabulary,

at home — or on the go.

this fall picture book is perfect for any

Best for ages 3 and up.

Halloween or Día de los Muertos library.

$7.99.

Best for ages 4 and up. $16.99.

Little First Stickers Halloween by Sam

Halloween & Día de los Muertos

Hunt: A Spook-

Steve Patschke, and

illustrated by Roland Garrigue

This spooky read will try to scare you off, but you know what to do with a box that says “don’t open,” don’t you? After all, forbidden adventures are the most compelling of all! Join four friends on their Halloween scavenger hunt in this fun read-aloud. Best for ages 3 and up. $15.99.

UNION SQUAR E K IDS

C ANDLEWICK PR ESS

VER SIF Y

USBOR NE

Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com.

Trick or Treat on Scary Street by

Lance Bass, and

illustrated by Roland Garrigue

Yes, that Lance Bass!

The NSYNC singer has crafted a charming, rhyming adventure down Scary Street, where classic Halloween beasties hand out candy and fun frights. The detailed illustrations will lead to new discoveries on each reread. Best for ages 4 and up. $18.99.

In the know: Halloween Candy Buybacks If your trick-or-treaters are anything like ours, Halloween results in a massive candy haul. And while kiddos would happily eat every piece, that’s a lot of sugar. Thankfully, it’s not too hard to entice them to trade in their stash — for money! These three places offer Halloween candy buybacks. Saving their teeth and getting some extra cash, that’s a win-win.

Hollywood Children’s Dentistry, hcdpdx.com When: November 1, 4 and 5 from 8 am-4 pm.

What: Get $1 per pound of candy.

Aspire Dental, aspiredentalpdx.com

Pro tip: Are you a Ridwell subscriber?

When: November 1-8 from 8 am-5:30 pm.

(Or know of a friend or

cards. Kids can also enter to win prize packages for their class,

month, the recycling

including skate passes to Oaks Park, Trailblazer tickets and more!

organization will take

What: Get $1 per pound of candy and a prize bag with Pokemon

Bricks & Minifigs Beaverton, bricksandminifigs.com/beaverton-or When: Beginning November 1.

What: For every pound of candy, kids will receive .50 cents to use toward a store credit. The candy will then be sent to troops overseas.

neighbor that is?) This

leftover Halloween candy, too, and donate it to local nonprofits.

Visit ridwell.com/whatwe-take/candy.

— Tiffany Hill

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Ask Dr. Baynham: New COVID Vaccine Q: I heard there is a new COVID vaccine available. With school back in session and the upcoming holidays, should my kids (and I?) get vaccinated?

protect infants who are too young to receive the vaccine.

The timing of getting vaccinated has some theoretical strategy but is not exact. If you are considered high risk, you should try to get it as soon as possible since variants may change again. If you are not high risk and want to time

A: The FDA recently approved the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine

which contains an updated variant that hopes to boost protection against currently circulating strains. This summer’s surge has faded — but up next is the winter COVID surge.

I think the bigger question isn’t if you get the updated vaccine, but when.

it to the winter surge, sometime this month is probably your best bet. If you have never had a COVID vaccine, then you would want to get it as soon as you can. If you recently had a COVID vaccine, you need to wait at least eight weeks to get the new one. If you recently had COVID, you likely have immunity from that infection for up to three to four months.

To make things easier, Metropolitan Pediatrics offers

of age and older. While the initial fear and threat of dying from COVID has subsided, and rates of MIS-C (the multisystem inflammatory syndrome affecting children resulting in high rates of ICU hospitalization) are decreasing, there are many reasons to maintain your immunity. During the winter season, there are other circulating diseases affecting children including influenza and RSV. Having two or more of these respiratory infections at the same time significantly increases the risk of severity of illness.

family flu and COVID vaccines. In my clinical and personal experience, it’s usually the moms who go first. Why is it always fun for kiddos to see their mom get a shot?!

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it

GAIL PAR K

COVID vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months

takes to raise healthy, resilient children.

Secondly, vaccines can help prevent long COVID, which we tend to see more in the adolescent and young adult population in pediatrics, but which also affects adults. Lastly, vaccinations help

Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

Gear Guide: Wet-weather Picks

Yes, it rains here. A lot. But the right rain gear means you can still send your kids outside to play when the clouds are letting loose. Pro tip: These are also great gear picks if you are venturing to a muddy pumpkin patch this month!

Columbia Boys’ Watertight and Girls’ Arcadia Jackets These mesh-lined rain jackets both have watertight seams to keep kids dry on the playground or on a hike. The lightweight jackets are great for layering with a fleece when the weather gets colder. Both styles come in several color choices. $55. Available at Columbia Sportswear at 911 SW Broadway or columbia.com.

Tuffo Muddy Buddy Rainsuit Zipping your toddler or preschooler into a Muddy Buddy rain suit is just about the easiest way to keep them dry on a neighborhood walk as they insist on splashing in every. single. puddle.

Pro tip: The roomy fit helps the suit last for

COLUMBIA

more than one season and allows for adding warm layers underneath. Sizes 18 months to 5T. $38.95. At bridgecitykid.com and

Oaki Children’s Rain/Trail Pants Tough, breathable and waterproof, these pants are made for kids who never let the rain stop them from playing outside. They come in a range of colors and sizes for toddlers to big kids. $35. At oaki.com. — Denise Castañon

OAK I

TUFFO

themuddybuddy.com.

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p l ay r o o m

Mom’s The Boss: Improving IVF Pregnancy Education In 2021, Bella and Tina Mody harnessed the tragedy of losing their unborn daughter, Maya, into Maya’s Wings Foundation, a nonprofit to help other families who have experienced loss.

The Modys were blindsided by the loss of Maya during Tina’s second trimester, especially because Tina’s doctors couldn’t answer why it happened. So, the two, who have two sons, ages 6 and 1.5, went searching on their own. The Modys are in the medical profession, but despite their backgrounds, acknowledge that assisted reproductive technology is

JULES

complex.

Their accumulation of information on IVF pregnancies led them to start the organization named in Maya’s honor to educate and support others on their journeys to parenthood.

Maya’s Wings provides free reproductive health, and fertility and pregnancy resources. Evidence-based information and education is available for families and providers in an easy-tonavigate online database. The foundation also offers support groups for those expecting and those who have experienced loss.

And thanks to local sponsors and donors, the foundation has also created and donated “passports” for expecting parents. The passports contain all essential info in one place — and are designed to fit in a handbag — including retrieval numbers, monitoring records, appointment dates, ultrasound photos, risk

SHOOT T

factors and more. “Our focus is to arm patients with the knowledge and education to have empowered conversations with their providers (and) to advocate for their care,” say Tina and Bella. To date, they’ve donated 600.

In addition to educational support, Maya’s Wings also partners with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and funds a biennial research grant of up to $25,000 to study the placenta and the role of abnormal placentation in IVF pregnancies. Visit themayaswingsfoundation.org. — T. H.

After losing Maya, Bella Mody wrote a children’s book about pregnancy loss for her oldest son.

I am STILL a Big Brother is written for kiddos experiencing the loss of a sibling during their parent’s pregnancy. Visit themayaswingsfoundation. org/support-for-siblings-1

Dad 101: The Short Years He’s on the move! If you turn your back on him, the folly

clothes every few weeks. When I look at photos of the

is yours because my 13-month-old can cruise and crawl

tiny creature that joined us last summer compared to

to the other side of the room and pull the contents off a

the smiling little boy on the verge of walking, the phrase

table in seconds. Don’t even get me started on his ability

“long days and short years” feels right.

to zero in on the exact thing he shouldn’t be playing with.

We’ve had to thoroughly babyproof our home.

I love this part of being a dad. My guy is not quite an

on the couch with him laying on my chest, hearing his

infant but not quite a toddler — a wobbler! He is curious,

coos as he drifted off to sleep. While these moments

smiley and playful as he discovers his mobility and other

are fleeting and, on occasion, there is a sense of loss,

skills that will soon help him walk on his own. And talk.

my parent friends have assured me that there are so

And ride a bike. It’s all happening so fast.

many amazing memories and moments to come.

The long, sleepless nights of the first six months of his life feel like a fever dream — no more early morning feedings, near-constant diaper changes, and sizing up his

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He’s a baby now, but soon he will be a boy, teenager and eventually a man. I already miss having long naps

pdxparent.com

Matt Tuohy is a first-time dad living with his wife, son and dog in Northeast Portland. Outside of spending time with family, Matt enjoys exploring the outdoors as a nature photographer. Follow along as he learns on the job.

OPEN HOUSES

Playlist: Express Yourself If you need help boosting your preschooler’s social-emotional skills take a listen to Jamming with Jules! by Jules!

The sweet songs are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers and celebrate being your authentic self as well as being OK with differences among friends (like liking

Portland Village School Your Tuition-Free, K-8, Public Waldorf School Educating and nurturing the whole child - head, heart, and hands

jalapeños or just plain cheese on pizza). You might recognize Jules! who is the nonbinary co-star of the Songs for Littles YouTube channel made popular by Ms. Rachel. Where Jules! really shines is with their emotional-regulation songs; Crabby Crab might just help bring your toddler back from the brink of a meltdown. And It’s OK to Cry is another gem that helps kids (and adults) know it’s OK to express their emotions. Listen at jammingwithjules.com. — D.C.

Accepting applications for. the 2024-2025 school year Our curriculum is arts-integrated with Common Core State Standard academic content, enlivened by music, art, drama, Spanish language, handwork, movement, and life skills.

Join us in our new forever home!

4650 S Macadam Ave

www.portlandvillageschool.org 7654 N Delaware Ave, Portland, OR, 97217

503-445-0056

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GUIDE TO OPEN HOUSES BY AREA SCHOOL INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

GRADES

OPEN HOUSE DATES/ TIMES

PreK-8

Call for tours in October!

NORTHEAST

St. Rose School

strosepdxschool.org/open-house 503-281-1912

Located in the heart of NE Portland, St. Rose School helps raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on Catholic faith and values.

NORTHWEST

Childpeace Montessori School

Empowering children from 12 months to 14 years, Childpeace Montessori School is developing champions of positive change, one child at a time.

PreK-12

10/20: Toddler - Elementary at Childpeace Montessori School. 10/30: Middle School at Metro Montessori

CLASS Academy

We are a Preschool - 6th grade private school. We offer tailored academics and sciences, and before and after care included in tuition.

Pre-6

11/6, 6pm

French International School of Oregon

Independent, Language Immersion, and IB World School, educating global minds from age 2.5 through eighth grade.

2.5 years- 11/02 at 10 am, 11/13 8th grade at 9 am

Scuola Italiana di Portland scuola.us/preschool 971-270-470

Scuola Italiana offers a part-time Italian language and cultural immersion preschool in NW Portland, mirroring the scuola dell’infanzia (preschool) in Italy.

PreK

Please email to set up a tour date or time.

childpeace.org/open-house 503-222-1197

classacademy.com 503-223-9099 frenchintl.org/admissions 503-292-7776

SOUTH

International School of Portland

Embrace the World! For 34 years, we’ve provided full Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish immersion and engaging academics through its acclaimed inquiry-based, International Baccalaureate approach.

PreK-5

10/25 9 am-12 pm

A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences

Art, design, engineering, and the sciences are natural contexts for the introduction, development, and application of skills. We have a rolling enrollment for grades K-8.

K-8

October 29, 6:00-7:30 pm. December 10, 6:007:30 pm

L'Etoile French Immersion School

L’Etoile French Immersion School is an independent school accredited by the French Ministry of Education for students aged 2½-12.

Ages 2.5-5th grade

10/10, 9-10 am

intlschool.org/admissions-center 503-226-2496 x110 renpdx.org 971-221-2311

letoilefrenchschool.com/admissions/events 503-843-8119

SOUTHEAST Franciscan Montessori Earth School and St. Francis Academy fmes.org 503-760-8220

The Franciscan Montessori Earth School, a diverse community of students from age 30 months through 8th grade,

Pre-K to Grade 8

Rolling

The Portland Forest School of the Pacific Northwest portlandforestschool.org 503-662-8079

Discover Portland Forest School Kindergarten-8th grade. Nature, academics, and community inspire our lifelong learners. Our holistic education features powerfully low class ratios. We nurture resilience.

K-8

10/10, 11/12, 12/10

Portland Waldorf School portlandwaldorf.org/open-houses-tours 503-654-2200

PWS is a private, independent school that inspires initiative and cultivates compassion through academic excellence, artistic expression, and an exceptional inquiry-based, multidisciplinary approach.

PreK-12

11/02, 11am-2 pm

Tucker Maxon School tuckermaxon.org 503-235-6551

Pre K-5 Tucker Maxon has been teaching strong communication skills since 1947. Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential in school and life.

11/22

VIRTUAL / OUT OF AREA

Evergreen Virtual Academy evergreenvirtual.org 541-751-8060

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Tuition-free online public charter school for Pre K through 12th grade students in Oregon. Live instruction from Oregon certified teachers. Laptop and supplies are provided. Event is at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128

Pre K-12

10/10, 5:30 pm

GUIDE TO OPEN HOUSES BY AREA SCHOOL INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

GRADES

OPEN HOUSE DATES/ TIMES

SOUTHWEST Arbor School of Arts & Sciences arborschool.org/admissions 503-638-6399

Cultivating intellect, character, and creativity in a small school setting. K-8

10/27; 12 pm -3 pm

Catlin Gabel School

Catlin Gabel is recognized as one of the top schools in the nation.

Join us at Open House to discover the benefits of progressive education.

Pre K- 12

10/27, 1-4 pm

Cedarwood Waldorf School

At Cedarwood, families learn, grow, and connect with community. We nurture children’s skills, creativity, and inner strength, blending arts, academics, and movement.

Pre K- 8

1/23, 7 pm; 2/1, 10 am; 3/1, 10 am

Edison High School

Edison High School’s mission is to empower students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, while preparing them for a productive future.

9-12

11/16, 10 am-1 pm

Fine Art Starts

Come see our new studio! Fine art classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and pottery. After school, Saturdays, and summer Art Camp since 1998.

K-12

10/19 12 pm-4 pm

German International School

As a language immersion & International Baccalaureate World school, we educate our students to be globally-minded, adaptive, independent thinkers who grow to become lifelong learners.

2 years8th grade

11/3, 10 am

Oregon Episcopal School

Since 1869, Oregon Episcopal School has educated students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.

Pre-K–12

10/17, 6–8 pm for Pre-K- 5. 10/20, 1–4 pm for Grades 6-12

catlin.edu/openhouse 503-297-1894

cedarwoodschool.org/welcome-to-cedarwood 503-245-1477

edisonhs.org 503-297-2336

fineartstarts.org 503-740-8220 gspdx.org 503-626-9089

oes.edu/openhouse-ppg 503-768-3115

Fall OPEN HOUSE Preschool - 8th grade NOVEMBER 3, 2024

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OPEN HOUSES

EMBRACE THE WORLD.

OPENHOUSE Thursday, October 17 • 6–8 p.m.

PRE-K TO GRADE 5 (PARENTS/GUARDIANS ONLY)

Sunday, October 20 • 1–4 p.m.

GRADES 6 TO 12 (PARENTS & STUDENTS)

Inspiring cultural intelligence, curiosity, and kindness since 1990.

JOIN US FOR DISCOVERY DAY - OCT 25! oes.edu/openhouse-pp admit@oes.edu 503-768-3115

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Chinese • Spanish • Japanese International Baccalaureate Preschool – 5th grade

OPEN HOUSES

Accepting Applications for 2024-2025

Expanding Minds, Nurturing Spirits, Stewarding the Earth

INFO SESSIONS 6:00-7:30 pm October 29 and December 10

R E I M A G I N E

E D U C A T I O N

A Small K–8 Learning Community Cultivating Imagination, Intellect, and Insight Learners are challenged, contribute to the community, and discover areas of personal interest. Enrolling ages 4+ to 14.

Schedule a tour today! admissions@renpdx.org 971.221.2311

renpdx.org 234 S. Bancroft Street, Por tland

Visit

www.FMES.org to schedule a

virtual or in-person

TOUR!

Our Children’s House Program nurtures your child’s intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social development through a beautifully prepared environment, experiential education, and cultivating a safe, respectful climate for independent choice.

•

Small class size

•

Earth experiences

•

Pre-K to 8th grade

•

Before and after care

•

Foreign language programs

•

10 acres campus with extensive gardens

www.FMES.org | 503-760-8220 | Portland, Oregon 97236-2316 pdxparent.com

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OPEN HOUSES

Reggio-inspired intergenerational preschool in Portland, OR Located on the campus of Rose Villa Senior Living, we combine the colorful, creative, child-centered approach of Reggio education with meaningful programming that includes Rose Villa residents

OPEN HOUSE Kindergarten through 8th grade

CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR AT 503.652.3201 VISIT US AT ROSEBUDPRESCHOOLPDX.ORG

Small Classes, Big Virtues

Since 1913, St. Rose School has helped raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on faith and values.

Our comprehensive PreK-8 education helps form lifelong learners who respect others and serve their community.

RSVP FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE ON 1/30/25:

5309 NE Alameda St, Portland, OR info@strosepdx.org (503) 281-1912 STROSEPDX.ORG

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Sunday, October 27, 2024 12:00-3:00pm

Cultivating intellect, character, and creativity in a small school setting.

Children welcome!

503-638-6399

www.arborschool.org

admissions@arborschool.org

OPEN HOUSES

Educating Students for the Future Preschool to Grade 12

REGISTER TODAY!

French Immersion Education in the Heart of Portland Learn more at

letoilefrenchschool.com

Preschool • Kindergarten • Elementary

Small class size • Native French-speaking teachers

(503) 715-1258 • 5839 S Hood Avenue pdxparent.com

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OPEN HOUSES

FA L L F U N

Ne

w

office in B

ea

ve rt on

nea

r

Wa

sh

in

gton Square

!

*Winner PDX Parent*

BEST PEDIATRICIAN

*Gold Medal Beaverton’s Best*

BEST MEDICAL GROUP

Meet some of our amazing new providers!!

Now offering same day visits at all locations!

www.sellwoodmd.com 503-595-9300

Rachel Rittenhouse, Avery Hutcheson, Olivia Bagot, DNP M.D., FAAP PNP, CLC Pediatrics - North 6234 N Greeley Ave Sellwood

Pediatrics- West 9925 SW Nimbus Ave Beaverton

Jordyn Luttrell, PNP

Courtney Cotner, PNP

Pediatrics - Sellwood 8333 SE 13th Ave Sellwood

Family Practice & Gynecology 8332 SE 13th Ave Sellwood

Find

Come enjoY A day at the farm!

Pumpkin patch, farm animals and play area every day!

Hayrides on the weekend or by appointment.

Come pick your favorite pumpkin right off the vine!

Open October 1–31 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (503)538-6834 | www.kochfamilyfarm.com 4745 Raybell Rd NE, Saint Paul, Or. 97137

pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more fall family fun at pdxparent.com/pdx-pumpkin-patches.

Find even more school

open houses at

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3

1

4

5

2

6

A Hauntingly Good ILLUSTRATED BY SUSAN BARD WRITTEN BY DENISE CASTAÑON

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pdxparent.com

>> turn the page

to find

all the Halloween fun!

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1. Rice Northwest

Museum of Rocks & Minerals’ Halloween Celebration

TOPA Z FAR M

Rockhounds won’t want to miss this event at the Rice Museum, which includes trick-or-treating for rocks, a costume contest, pumpkin painting, geode cracking and their Spooky Minerals display! Saturday, October 26, 10 am-2 pm. Members free, general admission prices for nonmembers.

26385 NW Groveland Dr., Hillsboro.

Ricenorthwestmuseum.org.

3. Topaz Farm

Reserve tickets to Topaz Farm for a quieter pumpkin patch experience that includes friendly farm animals, playgrounds, a sunflower maze and more. 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd. Topazfarm.com.

4. Bella Organic Farm Find your perfect pumpkin on this 100acre, certified-organic farm. Admission is free, but bring cash for extra activities on the weekend such as face painting, the cow train, grain train, hay maze, duck races and more. And we love the theme of this year’s maze! Pro tip: Pets on leash welcome. 16205 NW Gillihan Rd. Bellaorganic.com.

OR EGON ZOO

2. Howloween and Squishing of the Squash At the Oregon Zoo’s Howloween, kids can show off their costumes, fill their bags with treats made with deforestation-free palm oil, and learn about wildlife. All activities are included with zoo admission. Saturday and Sunday, October 19­-20 and 26-27. And watch elephants and other animals play with their food at the Squishing of the Squash, which will take place before Howloween; check the Oregon Zoo website for more details. 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Oregonzoo.org/howloween

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BELL A ORGANIC FAR M

at Oregon Zoo

5. The Pumpkin Patch This Sauvie Island farm grows over two million pounds of pumpkins each year!

You’ll also find plenty of food and cow train rides on weekends in October. And this year The MAiZE is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts cartoon with a corn maze design featuring Snoopy and Charlie Brown. 16511 NW Gillihan Rd. Thepumpkinpatch.com.

9. Oddities and

10. Lone Fir Cemetery

Curiosities Expo

Find an assortment of creepy and cool taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, animal skulls and bones, and much more. Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6. $10 general admission. Kids 12 and younger are free. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

Odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com.

6. Halloween Ball at The Judy Give your kiddos another reason to wear their costumes! Northwest Children’s Theater’s Halloween Ball includes a costume parade, interactive storytime, and an enchanting dance party and sing-along! Most enjoyed by ages 4 and up. October 12-27, Saturdays and Sundays 12:30 pm and 3:15 pm. Tickets are $12. Free for infants younger than 1. 1000 SW Broadway, T-100. Nwcts.org/shows/ halloween-ball.

7. Underhill Haunted

NORTHWEST CHILDR EN ’S THE ATER

8. Fazio Farms Fazio Farms has all your fall fun options in one place. Pick a pumpkin, hit the corn maze or get some fresh veggies from the produce tent. 9028 NE 13th Ave. Faziofarms.com/pumpkin-patch.

11. Sellwood-Moreland

Monster March

This kids’ parade through Westmoreland is a fun way to build excitement for the big day. Parents love seeing all the creative family costumes and kids love another chance to get candy! Sunday, October 27. Free. Starts at 3pm at Llewellyn Elementary, 6301 SE 14th Ave.

12. ScareGrounds PDX at Oaks Amusement Park

DENISE C ASTAÑON

House at Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Your teens will love heading to the classic haunted house with three themed mazes.

Pro tip: The Kids Monster Fest afternoons for kids under 12 are still pretty scary for sensitive kids, even with actors pretending to fall asleep when kids wave a “magic wand” and tell them to “go to sleep!”

Starting October 4 with select evening dates through November 2. Kids Monster Fest afternoons on Sunday, October 20 and 27. General admission: $30 plus fees; Kids Monster Fest: Kids $9 plus fees; adults $12 plus fees. 300 N Ramsay Way. Underhillpdx. com.

In addition to Saturday morning guided tours, Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery will be offering Tombstone Twilight historical tours every Saturday evening in October. October 5, 12, 19 and 26 starting at 7 pm. 649 SE 26th Ave. Friendsoflonefircemetery.org.

These three themed haunted houses and sideshows are not for the faint of heart.

And for an even bigger adrenaline rush, your teens can also purchase ride bracelets. Pro tip: Not recommended for kids under 13. Fridays to Sundays for all of October until November 2, plus additional dates. Tickets start at $23; ride bracelet is an additional $36.

7805 SE Oaks Park Way. Scaregroundspdx.com.

13. Davis Graveyard Every October, Jeff and Chris Davis transform their front yard into a delightfully spooky graveyard. Tombstones feature funny puns about the dearly departed and tributes to popculture icons. Weekend evenings often feature lights and music. Pro tip: A trip during the daytime is great for littles who might not yet appreciate ghoulish attractions. Free. 8703 SE 43rd Ave., Milwaukie. Davisgraveyard.com.

14. Schilling Lights on Lark

Another fabulous DIY home display, this dazzling front yard features more than 50,000 lights. Free. 15909 SE Lark Ave., Milwaukie. Facebook.com/schillinglightsonlark. pdxparent.com

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West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Hood River Fruit Loop pumpkin patches and apple picking Revel in the bounty of fall at the farms and orchards on the Hood River Fruit Loop. Some of our favorite fall stops with kids include Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Draper Girls Country Farm and Packer Orchards & Bakery.

Hoodriverfruitloop.com.

Spirit of Halloweentown From September 28 to October 31, the city of St. Helens transforms into a Halloween wonderland with an extra special nod to the 1990s Disney channel movie that was filmed in there.

Haunted tours, photo ops and celebrity appearances are all part of the fun.

SpiritofHalloweentown.com.

People come from all over to watch paddlers race in giant gourds across the Tualatin Lake of the Commons. Stick around for food carts, entertainment and pumpkin bowling. Sunday, October 20, 10 am-4 pm. Pumpkin races at noon and 2 pm. Free admission. 8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin. Tualatinoregon.gov/ pumpkinregatta.

DENISE C ASTAÑON

Former Art Director of PDX Parent, Susan Bard is delighted to haunt its pages once again.

Editor Denise Castañon is hoping to hit many of the events in the Halloween map — and get her family into themed costumes again this year.

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ERIC M . HER MANN

PICK YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

ON THE MT. HOOD TERRITORY HARVEST TRAIL The fall months are special in Mt. Hood Territory as our farms celebrate rich traditions such as corn mazes, hayrides and pumpkin patches. This marks the second year you can celebrate fall by participating in the Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail passport!

Throughout October, pick up a FREE passport stamp card at eight participating farms: Dolan Creek Farm, Bushue’s Family Farm, Yesteryear Farms, Fiala Farms, Liepold Farms, Frog Pond Farm, Triskelee Farm and Historic Kirchem Farm.

Simply complete at least five fun activities (like those pictured to the right) at two or more locations.

Once you’ve finished your experiences, redeem your stamped passport for a custom Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail knit scarf! As a heartfelt bonus, each redeemed stamp card helps provide a Thanksgiving meal to a local family in need through the Sandy Community Action Center, a nonprofit serving the Sandy, Oregon area.

Take a pig train ride at Bushue’s Family Farm

Purchase u-cut flowers at Fiala Farms

SCAN TO VIEW MORE INFORMATION

omht.us/harvestfun

Complete the corn maze at Yesteryear Farms

The Arts From low-cost tickets to less-intense sound effects, Portland’s kid-friendly performing arts companies want to make sure all families can reap the benefits of attending live shows.

BY MIRANDA RAKE

This November, Oregon back to the hysterical world of Dav Pilkey with Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical.

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JER EMY DANIEL

Children’s Theatre will go

JAMES MCGR EW

Enjoying our local arts scene has not always felt within reach for many families — whether because of a toddler’s short attention span, the cost of taking the whole family out for a night of theater, or because of more specific needs, like ASLinterpretation. But as the cultural needle moves towards wider accessibility for all, our local arts organizations are working harder than ever to make their work truly accessible to families with all sorts of needs.

Understandably, accessibility and inclusion look a little different, company to company. For example, the approach and broad-reaching inclusion efforts of contemporary dance nonprofit White Bird are the result of lengthy brainstorming sessions that happened in 2020. “I don’t want to put a silver lining on the pandemic, but it did give us an opportunity where we weren’t in a constant churn to sit down and think. We had nothing else to do but envision how we could change,” says Executive Director Graham Cole.

This meant a growing focus on making dance accessible to all Portlanders, regardless of socio-economic status.

“We now have a pretty robust system of providing complimentary tickets as well as discounted tickets,” Cole says. Each summer, White Bird staff partner with nonprofits, such as Central City Concern, Friends of the Children and P:ear, whose clients might benefit from attending upcoming White Bird performances, and offers them complimentary tickets.

While many families do benefit from this outreach, all families can get excited about a new affordability effort that White Bird is launching this season: $6 tickets for kids. “With our old pricing, if a family of four wanted to go to a performance, it could easily cost them a hundred dollars.

We hope that this can be a good, affordable option for families to introduce their kids to dance.”

In Hillsboro, Bag&Baggage Productions offers usually two shows that are Pay

actors before the play begins or give a heads up about a moment that might be a bit surprising or exciting so guests can know what to expect. Over the years, many NWCT families mentioned the painful experience of paying for something you aren’t sure your child will be able to sit through, so they’ve priced their sensoryfriendly shows on a sliding scale starting at $0, which she says has been “quite resoundingly popular.”

Even companies that typically have more offerings for grown-ups and teens are providing sensory-friendly shows.

Last year, Oregon Ballet Theatre’s new Artistic Director Dani Rowe launched In A Nutshell, an incredibly thought-through, sensory-sensitive, hour-long version of The Nutcracker that is tailored for families with sensory needs or very young children (pictured below).

Plus, since 2019, the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts have partnered with a nonprofit called KultureCity to ensure every single performance at their theaters (the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, Winningstad Theatre and Brunish Theatre) is sensory-inclusive. That means training staff to support any guests with sensory needs and offering them sensory bags packed with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and weighted lap pads. Anyone who needs these supportive tools can request them at the coat check window of any Portland’5 venue.

Whatever your family’s needs may be, however much wiggling your kids tend to do, it is safe to say that there has never been a better time to enjoy theater, dance and music in our community.

JAMES MCGR EW

for All

What You Can (PWYC) per show run of every performance staged. They also feature at least one performance that is audio-described and one that is American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted.

Meanwhile, Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) Artistic Director Sarah Jane Hardy says that their robust accessibility initiatives are the result of an ongoing conversation with their own NWCT community. “A lot of our audiences and students identify as having sensory needs,” says Hardy. “For over a decade, we’ve been in communication with the sensory-sensitive community, and now we are quite confident with some of our choices.” With the qualifier that the learning and growing never ends, Hardy explains that one guiding principle behind any of their sensory-friendly offerings is ensuring that the intended community feels truly welcome.

Families that attend sensory-sensitive and inclusive theater experiences at NWCT can expect simple, yet effective adjustments. For example, house lights remain on so that the transition from the lobby to the theater feels less abrupt, and any intense sound effects are also lowered.

Sensory-friendly shows open with a curtain speech reminding folks that it’s OK to move around, and even to come and go.

It’s always OK to do that at The Judy, Hardy reminds, but they really want to drive home the point for their sensory-sensitive audiences.

Demystifying some of the workings of the play itself can help, too, Hardy says.

Sometimes they introduce a few of the

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What’s On Stage Orsymphony.org

Melodies of the Animal Kingdom Featuring the Pacific Youth Choir, this whimsical show promises to be “a toetapping, tail-wagging experience” centered on enjoying animals through music.

Expect Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee and selections from Swan Lake in this interactive concert for the whole family.

Ages 4 and up.

When: Sunday, November 10 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Disney’s Frozen in Concert A fabulous chance for the kids to enjoy their favorite Disney movie on a big screen, with the Oregon Symphony performing the score live. Ages 4 and up.

When: Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 17 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert Catch the powerful film with its equally powerful score performed live to kick off the new year.

When: Friday and Saturday, January 3-4 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 5 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

The Sounds of Science Via several popular compositions and onstage demonstrations by Oregon Symphony musicians, curious little minds can learn all about vibrations, pitch, volume, sound waves and more! This promises to be a fun, educational and interactive concert. Ages 5 and up.

When: Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Northwest Children’s Theater Nwct.org

Blue Marigold Sammy Flores navigates a new home, new school, and a mom who doesn’t seem to understand her.

When she discovers her secret superpower from the Land of the Dead, everything changes. This show is part of the Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) BIPOC Superhero Project, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the stories being created by TYA playwrights across the United States. Ages 10 and up.

When: October 12-27, Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm and 3 pm at The Judy. ASL performance: October 13 at noon.

Oregon Symphony weaves together classical music, lively narration and young choir voices in their Music for Families Series.

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OR EGON SYMPHONY

Oregon Symphony

NORTHWEST CHILDR EN ’S THE ATER

NWCT will offer an American Sign Language interpreted showing of their holiday romp, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer A staged version of the holiday classic! Most enjoyed by ages 3 and up.

When: November 30 to December 29, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2:30 pm at The Judy. ASL performance on December 8 at 2:30 pm.

Oregon Ballet Theater Obt.org

Hansel & Gretel Riffing on silent, black-and-white films and inspired by the spooky season, this ballet starts slowly and then quickly explodes into a candy-filled wonderland! You might need to take the kids out for treats after seeing it, but it’ll be worth the sugar high.

Ages 8 and up.

When: October 5-12, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Keller Auditorium.

The Nutcracker George Balanchine’s dreamlike holiday ballet is a Portland tradition. A gigantic Christmas tree, toy soldiers, naughty mice, candy canes leaping and snowflakes whirling — it’s an easy-to-love introduction to the beauty of ballet for kids 6 and up.

When: December 7-24, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Keller Auditorium.

Nutcracker “In A Nutshell” A one-hour version of OBT’s beloved Nutcracker (the full version tops two and a

half hours), tailored with young children and those with sensory needs in mind.

Sensory bags are offered at the entrance featuring headphones and fidgets, guests are invited to come and go as needed, and there is even a “calm down” room available.

It’s a once-a-year offering, so nab your tickets ASAP. All ages.

When: Friday, December 20 at noon at the Keller Auditorium.

play and that, yes, Santa is in fact alive and well. Ages 8 and up.

When: December 5-22, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 pm at the Vault Theater and Event Space.

ASL-interpreted and pay-what-you-can (PWYC) performance Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 pm, audio-described and PWYC performance Saturday, December 21, 7:30 pm.

World Stage Theater

Patricia Reser Center for the Arts

Worldstagetheater.org

Who I Am Celebrating Me The 19th annual production of Who I Am Celebrating Me is presented as part of the Black History Festival NW 2025 and promises to be family friendly, affordable and have at least one ASL performance per production.

When: February 2025, check the website for dates.

Bag&Baggage Bagnbaggage.org

Hard-Boiled Eggnog: A Christmas Noir Though this is a family-friendly play, Producing Artistic Director Nik Whitcomb wants parents to be aware that as the play opens, the main character Jangle (one of Santa’s elves) is mourning the loss of his brother when he learns that Santa has been murdered. Despite the grief-stricken start, Whitcomb promises a fun, joyful holiday

Thereser.org

Kids’ New Year’s Eve A New Year’s celebration at a time that doesn’t mess with bedtime, the Portland Trail Blazers’ DJ OG One will be there spinning family-friendly tunes! Best for families with kids 10 and under.

When: Tuesday, December 31, 11 am-2 pm at The Reser.

123 Andres This Grammy-winning duo is known for their interactive, high-energy shows and songs that blend Spanish and English, with an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of Latin America. All ages.

When: Friday, January 31, 11 am to noon at The Reser.

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BL AINE TRUIT T COVERT

What’s On Stage Metropolitan Youth Symphony Playmys.org

The Force of Love This show will feature work that explores love as a force that can break barriers, through the classic stories of Leonore and Florestan, Orpheus and Eurydice, and Romeo and Juliet.

When: Sunday, November 10, 7:30 pm at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Children ages 8 and older will be fascinated by the magical, good-versusevil storyline of The Portland Ballet’s The Firebird.

Portland Youth Philharmonic Portlandyouthphil.org

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto PYP kicks off their 101st season with this rich concert. Ages 10 and up.

When: Saturday, November 9, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Concert-at-Christmas: Out of this World A concert around the holidays that’s anything but ordinary, it’ll feature John Williams’s Flying Theme from E.T., and more. Ages 10 and up.

When: Thursday, December 26, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Spring Sunrise Uplifting pieces like Lili Boulanger’s D’un matin de printemps celebrate the return of warmer days. Ages 10 and up.

When: Saturday, March 1, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

White Bird

The Portland Ballet

Whitebird.org

Theportlandballet.org

BodyTraffic

Petrushka and The Firebird

A joyful, upbeat dance performance featuring music from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Ages 6 and up.

When: Thursday to Saturday, October 10-12 at the Newmark Theater

It’s hard to think of a better way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend and the start of the holiday season than with this pair of performances. Set at the Heathman Hotel in the 1950s, Petrushka loves a dazzling lounge singer, who happens to love a dashing doorman.

The Firebird tells the enchanting tale of a magical bird and a young prince’s quest to break an evil sorcerer’s spell. Ages 8 and up.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo A light-hearted, silly show from a company of world-class, all maleidentifying ballet dancers performing in drag that promises to be good, campy fun. Ages 6 and up.

When: Wednesday, February 12 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical Calling all Dave Pilkey fans! You’ve read Dog Man and Captain Underpants, so you know your kids are going to love Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical! The Newmark Theatre partners with KultureCity to provide sensory kits to families free of charge. Ages 6 and up.

When: November 1-17, Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm.

GUSMAN ROSADO

dance troupes to Portland stages.

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Oregon Children’s Theatre Octc.org

Dance nonprofit White Bird brings world-class

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When: November 29 to December 1 at 1 pm and 5 pm at Lincoln Performance Hall.

Miranda Rake is a writer, editor and cohost of the Mother Of It All (motherofitall. substack.com), a podcast that explores the culture of modern motherhood with curiosity and compassion. She lives in Northeast Portland with her two little kids.

U

YO U PLAN

R N E X T T R I P TO N W C T ’ S H

OME

HOWS & EVE S G N I M N TS P CO

The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts

NOV. 30 - DEC. 29

OCT. 12-27

WORLD PREMIERE!

ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF THE 2023 HIT!

The fun kicks off with a costume parade in The Grand Lobby, followed by an Interactive live storytime, splendiferous dance party, and enchanting sing-a-long!

Sammy Flores is just trying to survive her new home, new school, and a mom who doesn’t seem to understand her.

When she discovers her secret superpower from the Land of the Dead – everything changes.

Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him.

But when a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas!

Most enjoyed by ages 4 and up

Most enjoyed by ages 10 and up

Most enjoyed by ages 3 and up

Part of the TYA BIPOC Superhero Project

1000 SW BROADWAY, PORTLAND 503-222-2190 • NWCTS.ORG •

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Illustrations © Lea Zawada • Photos © KinderPics.com

OCT. 12-27

We’re so glad you’re here!

Let PDX Parent help you find the best family fun Portland has to offer. Connect with us at:

pdxparent.com

Sign up for our newsletter!

@pdx_parent @pdxparentonline @pdxparent

tHree gEt Ee w keNds Ts . .. ly oN tIcke ! nOw

NoveMber 1-17, 2024 NewmArk TheaTre

ComiNg To PortLand sooN!

®DAV PILKEY

octc.org • (503) 228-9571

CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL • Book and Lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila • Music by Brad Alexander • Adapted f rom the CAT KID COMIC CLUB series of books by Dav Pilkey

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KIDS

MUSEUMS

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Portland Art Museum Exhibits + Events Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm PHOTO © 1963 -196 4 PAUL MCC ARTNEY UNDER E XCLUSIVE LICENSE TO MPL ARCHIVE LLP

More than 250 photographs from Paul McCartney’s personal archive invite visitors to intimately experience The Beatles’ meteoric rise from British

Through January 19, 2025

sensation to international stardom.

Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s

Museum Info

This exhibition reveals the passion

ADDRESS: 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205.

and creativity of the era through the

WEBSITE: portlandartmuseum.org.

iconic rock posters

PHONE: 503-226-2811.

of San Francisco and beyond. Enjoy

Opens October 19, 2024

more than 200

rock posters, including work by the “big five” designers of the day.

HOURS: Wednesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm; Free First Thursdays, 10 am-7 pm.

ADMISSION PRICE: Kids 17 and younger free. General admission: $25; seniors and students: $22. Visit the website for more ways to visit for free or at a reduced cost.

PAM CUT: Tomorrow Theater, Summer Camp & Classes PAM CUT offers year-round classes and camps for kids and families, including popular summer camps. The Tomorrow Theater, at 3530 SE Division, offers $5 Fam Jam family favorite movies!

FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Free First Thursdays, 10 am-7 pm RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Access to a number of art museums regionally and nationally with a PAM membership at the Friend level and above.

CAMPS/CLASSES: portlandartmuseum.org/colaboratory.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: portlandartmuseum.org/accessibility.

GET SOCIAL FACEBOOK: @portlandartmuseum, Instagram: @portlandartmuseum.

Why Kids

It

Colors, shapes, people, places and ideas that expand their world!

Why Parents

It

Free admission for kids age 17 and under.

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Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU Exhibits + Events Color Outside the Lines From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, this exhibition features the work of 18 contemporary artists who have used color to question

Museum Info

institutions, beliefs, and

ADDRESS: 1855 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

expectations.

On view through December 7, 2024

WEBSITE: pdx.edu/museum-of-art

Storytime

PHONE: 503-725-8013

Join us for Storytime at the PSU Farmers

HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday open 11am-5pm; Thursday open 11am-7pm on Thursdays

Latoya Lovely, she will read stories

Market! Led by Portland-based artist exploring

ADMISSION PRICE: Free admission

color and

MUSEUM CAFE: Case Study: Monday-Saturday, 8 am-2:30 pm

to build

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: sites.google.com/pdx.edu/jsma-at-psu/plan-your-visit

and

its ability friendship community.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @JSMAatPSU Instagram: @psu_museum_of_art

Why Kids

Saturday, November 2, 11 am-noon

It

Bright colors, shapes, and stories that spark curiosity! JSMA at PSU provides free activities and storytime events for children to build community through the arts.

Why Parents

It

Free admission and activities for all!

Just Playin’ Around January 21April 26, 2025

Play is creative, imaginative, active, fun.

This exhibition seeks to give visitors a peek at how art is play, play is art, and play is in art, and in all of us.

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Columbia River Maritime Museum Museum Info ADDRESS: 1792 Marine Dr., Astoria, OR 97103.

WEBSITE: crmm.org PHONE: 503-325-2323.

HOURS: 9:30 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: Adults: $18; seniors: $15; children 6-17: $8; children 5 and younger: free. Lightship only: $5. 3D movie only: $5.

FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Museums for All Discount honored every day.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Yes.

CAMPS/CLASSES: Yes.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: crmm.org/accessibility CURRENT OR UPCOMING EXHIBIT/EVENT: Sensory Sunday 1st Sunday each month.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @Columbia River Maritime Museum Instagram: @columbiarivermaritimemuseum

EXHIBIT/EVENT: Sensory Sunday 1st Sunday each month

Why Kids

It

Climb aboard a floating lighthouse, forecast the weather, watch a 3D movie, stand on a tugboat or Navy destroyer bridge and sail the model boat pond.

Why Parents

It

A wide variety of hands-on, interactive experiences for all ages on Astoria's waterfront. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, 3D movie theater — something for everyone!

Oregon Historical Society Museum Info ADDRESS: 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR, 97205. WEBSITE: ohs.org. PHONE: 503-222-1741.

HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pm; Sunday: noon to 5 pm.

ADMISSION: General admission: $14; seniors/teachers/students: $12. Free for youth 17 and younger and Multnomah County residents.

FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: OHS is free every day for members, youth 17 and under, and Multnomah County residents.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @oregonhistory Instagram: @oregonhistoricalsociety.

NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS: Our newest permanent exhibition, Rivers, Roses, and Rip City explores Portland’s remarkable history. Through 500 objects and photos, this immersive space highlights Portland’s distinct geography and its diverse people and perspectives.

Why Kids

It

With three floors of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the Oregon Historical Society brings the past to life for visitors of all ages. In our cornerstone exhibition, Experience Oregon, kids can touch a real beaver pelt, be transported to the Oregon Trail by walking through a covered wagon and compete in the Pendleton Round-Up by playing a touchscreen video game!

Why Parents

It

Who lives in Oregon, where did they come from, and what are some challenges and choices they have faced? Parents and young history buffs can explore these questions in History Hub, a hands-on, highly interactive exhibition designed for youth and families.

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Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals Museum Info ADDRESS: 26385 NW Groveland Dr., Hillsboro, OR 97124.

WEBSITE: ricenorthwestmuseum.org. PHONE: 503-647-2418.

HOURS: Winter hours (Dec.-March) Wed.-Sun.: 10 am-4 pm; summer hours (April-Nov.) are Wed.-Sun.: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: Members are free. Adults: $18; seniors (60+)/veterans/ active military/educators/first responders: $15; students (6 through college): $10; kids (up to 5 years): Free.

FREE/DISCOUNTED DAYS: The Museums for All program provides reduced admission year-round. The Blue Star Museums

Why Kids

program provides free admission from Armed Forces Day

It

through Labor Day. Check your local library for free passes.

Sparkling crystals, glowing rocks,

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP: Portland Attraction Marketing Alliance.

fossilized dinosaurs — and their poop!

Why Parents

CAMPS/CLASSES: ricenorthwestmuseum.org/camps.

It

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @RiceNWMuseum

Situated on 23 acres, there

Instagram: @RiceNWMuseum.

is room to eat lunch, run and explore.

EXHIBIT/EVENT: Agates!

Museum Info ADDRESS: 116 Marion St., NE, Salem, OR 97301.

WEBSITE: acgilbert.org. PHONE: 503-371-3631.

Gilbert House Children's Museum

HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: $14.

FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Tuesdays from 2-5pm is half off admission.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Yes. Acgilbert.org/reciprocal-partners.

CAMPS/CLASSES: Yes. INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: acgilbert.org/accessibility.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @Gilbert House Children's Museum, Instagram: @gilbert_house.

EXHIBIT/EVENT: Outdoor discovery area.

Why Kids

It

Kids love the variety of roleplay indoor exhibits where they can use their imaginations. They also love the large outdoor discovery area where they can play, jump, dig and more!

Why Parents

It

Parents love the open-ended play in each exhibit. Allowing their children to learn through discovery and their imaginations. pdxparent.com

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Hands On Children’s Museum

Museum Info ADDRESS: 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, WA, 98501.

PHONE: 360-956-0818.

WEBSITE: hocm.org, hocm.org/camps, hocm.org/sensory-friendly.

HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 9 am-5 pm; Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: General admission: (18 months-64 years): $17.95 online/$18.95 at the door; seniors (65+): $16.95 online/$17.95 at the door; military (with valid ID): $15.95 online/$17.95 at the door. Free to members.

FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Discount admission: $3 (with EBT, P-EBT, CHIP, Provider One, WIC, or Apple Health card and ID). First Friday Night $1, 4-8pm.

MUSEUM CAFE: Play Day Café open 11 am-3 pm daily.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: 25% off general admission for NWAYM members.

50% off general admission for ACM members.

CAMPS/CLASSES: hocm.org/events-programs/camps.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: hocm.org/events-programs/ sensory-friendly-programs.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @handsonchildrensmuseum Instagram: @handsonchildrensmuseum.

EXHIBITS/EVENT: Boo Bash, October 25-31; Noon Year's Eve Party, December 31.

Why Kids

It 150 interactive exhibits and half-acre of outdoor play

space including a giant climbing boulder, dino dig, vintage schooner, lighthouse lookout, trike loop and children’s garden. Plus, Art Studio, MakeSpace, two-story climber and stream slide, Ballcano, water table, Emergency! gallery and Airways Maze. Seasonal themed events with special guests and activities.

Why Parents

It Washington’s award-winning museum on

Olympia’s waterfront. Near downtown and the Farmer’s Market.

Clean and beautiful facility with fresh foods in the Play Day Café.

Consistently voted “Best Family Destination,” by Showcase Magazine, and Best of South Sound for “Family Destination,” “Museum,” “Children’s Party Venue” and “Summer Camp.”

Experiment PDX Museum Info ADDRESS: 1421 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97214.

WEBSITE: experimentpdx.com PHONE: 503-889-0931.

HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday: noon-5 pm.

ADMISSION: $10 per person.

MUSEUM CAFE: Coffee and tea available for purchase.

Why Kids

CAMPS/CLASSES: No-school Day Camps. Our STEAM Day Camps are offered

organisms, and Ziggy Stardust — our resident bearded dragon —

on all no-school days and part of winter break, as well as on earlydismissal Wednesday afternoons. Camps include LEGO robotics, handson science activities, crafting and story hours with Dr. L Ektron.

INCLUSIVITY: Yes. GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @facebook.com/ExperimentPDX, Instagram: @experimentpdx.

It From the physics of our marble runs, electrical

circuits and LEGO robotics to the biology of mantises, microscopic the museum is a science playground where kids escape screens and schedules for an afternoon of “awe.” Together with our Craft Lab, which provides all the supplies and inspiration needed for an afternoon of artistic creativity, there is something for everyone.

Why Parents

It Experiment PDX exists to foster curiosity and

creativity with a range of STEAM activities. Come into our relaxed and cozy space to play along with your child, meet up for play dates with other families, or bring your computer and access our free Wi-Fi while your kiddos make the rounds of our fun, interactive exhibits.

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• Starting at 4 months old • 91 degree water and air temperature • Morning and afternoon times available Register at www.childrenofthesea.com

Where the pool is your classroom TO P 5

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2024

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and learning is fun!

D E R F AV O

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Children of the Sea Swim School 10225 SW Park Way, Portland, OR 97225

Elevated Care in a Sparkling New Space

d Newly Remodele Beaver ton Clinic Give us a call today!

833-PDX-KIDS metropediatrics.com pdxparent.com Metro-Pediatrics-PDX-AD-3-09032024.indd 1

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9/3/24 11:22 P

fa m i ly s u p p e r

Flavor

Explosions TikkaTacoRito spotlights Indian and Mexican cuisines in a fastcasual atmosphere.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TIFFANY HILL

I love a good fusion food concept.

So when I read about the newly opened TikkaTacoRito in the Pearl, Bright colorful new inner eastside my husbandand and our 13-month-old son went to check it out for an early dinner. TikkaTacoRito is located the ground floor cartweeknight pod WonderLove packs inintasty food, of The Rodney luxury apartment building and was established by room to play and spectacular views.

Hari Venkatram, who’s been brainstorming fusion dishes between the two flavorful cuisines.

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY DENISE CASTAÑON

When we arrived on a Wednesday evening, there were people chowing down on burritos at the bistro tables lined up outside. Upon walking in, we were the only customers — but with dinnertime for the baby quickly approaching, being able to quickly order was welcome. Another win: It was happy hour, which runs Monday through Saturday from 3-6 pm. Pro tip: The eatery does have a high chair, but only one, so be mindful of that if TikkaTacoRito, 1436 NW it’s busy or your family needs more than Glisan St., tikkatacorito.com. one.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 The fast-casual concept of TikkaTacoRito am-8 pm; Saturday, 8 am-8 pm; can best be described as Chipotle-esque; Sunday, 9 am-2 pm. there’s an employee behind the counter ready to create your bowl, burrito, taco and

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more from ready-made rices, meats and toppings. But unlike the TexMex chain, the ingredients and flavors also hail from India.

Since we were the only customers, the employee was helpful in going through the menu — there’s a lot of possible combinations! — and even let us sample some of the sauces and salsas. You can choose from Indian-style white or brown rice, spiced chickpeas, black beans or black-eyed peas, and meats cooked in the restaurant’s tandoor or claypot oven. Everything can then be topped with tikka, vindaloo or verde sauce, and roja, tamarind or cilantro-basil salsas. Shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo and kachumber, an Indian salad made with carrots, cucumber, onion and lemon juice are also available.

The restaurant specializes in taco bombs ($9.99 or $6.49 during happy hour). Meant to be eaten in one bite, they are Venkatram’s take on the Indian pani puri. Hollow round shells roughly the size of golf balls are deep fried until crispy and filled with beans, meat and sauces. We had to try them. We let the employee make his favorites, mixing a variety of flavors for each. For our son, we settled on a rice and chicken and black-eyed-pea bowl ($10.99), minus any of the spicy sauces and salsas (pictured opposite page, top). Curious about the pizzas, my husband also ordered the chicken tikka masala pizza ($15.99). The 12-inch pies have a naan crust and are cooked in the claypot oven. Lastly, we ordered chicken wings ($9.99 or $6.49 during

A mom to a happy, curious 13-month-old, Managing Editor Tiffany Hill takes advantage of Portland’s bustling happy hour specials with her son and husband — when they manage to dine out.

happy hour) with the vindaloo sauce.

Before the pizza arrived, my husband fed our son part of the rice bowl.

Pro tip: The food here is flavorful, which might be a stretch for some palates. Even without the sauce, the rice and peas still proved too spicy for him. Shortly after, the pizza arrived and he enjoyed some bites of the pizza toppings, especially the fresh pico de gallo. My husband and I both liked the pizza, the tikka curry was a flavoral sauce base, the chicken was smoky and the pico de gallo and kachumber salsas gave it added textures and freshness. Pro tip: It should be eaten immediately after being served; the naan crust quickly succumbs to the tikka sauce and toppings. The wings were a disappointment; we suspect they were left in the oven for too long as they arrived overly dry and crunchy.

The hit of the evening were the taco bombs. They are inventive, fun-toeat and allow you to try many flavor combinations of TikkaTacoRito. My favorite one was stuffed with yellow Indian rice, carne asada and topped with tikka.

Only open for a month when we visited, the restaurant is still ironing out its operation (there were no plates when we dined in), but the magic here lies in the flavors and the many combinations possible.

Sunshine and delicious food on the patio!

1523 SW Sunset Blvd salvadormollyspdx.com pdxparent.com

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field trip

Fungi Fun Hit the Old Salmon River Trail for a mushroom foraging adventure with kids. Plus advice on how to stay safe.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROMA SIDELINGER

There is something undeniably enchanting

about wandering through the woods with

kids, the fall air crisp with the scent of pine and earth, as you search for hidden treasures beneath the forest canopy. In late September — and after a few soaking rain showers — I drove my three young boys to Old Salmon River Trail in Welches for a mushroom hunt. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, but for my young children, the magic of the day lay not in the trees or the sky, but on the damp, earthy floor beneath our feet.

Our mission was to find the golden chanterelle (pictured above), one of the most prized edible mushrooms. We eagerly grabbed our baskets and started walking the trail. The forest here is filled with mature Douglas fir trees, creating the perfect environment for chanterelles to thrive.

If you look closely, you will find a wide variety of fungi in the forest this fall. My 7-year-old son, Grady, is always intent on finding mushrooms with whimsical names like “witch’s butter,” “blood tooth Take Hwy. 26 to Welches, Oregon. fungus,” and “turkey tails” that are all One mile east of the traffic light, turn safe to touch. Sure enough, he found on to Salmon River Road (2618) and a decaying log adorned with velvety, continue to the trailhead. There are fan-shaped fungi. The colors were multiple trailheads along the road. mesmerizing — a swirl of browns, greens and blues creating intricate patterns. I

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explained that turkey tails are a kind of fungus that helps break down wood, turning it back into soil. On a stick nearby, a translucent, golden jelly fungus (witch’s butter) glistened in the sunlight.

Meanwhile, my older son, Nolan, had wandered off the trail and found a cluster of golden chanterelles nestled among the mossy undergrowth. Their trumpet-shaped caps glowed in the sunlight: vibrant yellow to orange with smooth, wavy edges.

He knelt to get a closer look, gently touching the thick, false gills that ran down their stems. Once he confirmed that these were indeed golden chanterelles and not their false look-alike (wooly chanterelles) he carefully trimmed the stems and put them in his basket.

Even my 4-year-old, Calum, found a pinecone with a tiny mushroom growing out of it and added a variety of fungi to his little basket. As we returned to the trail and hiked back, I reminded my boys that every mushroom tells a story. The bright red caps of a toxic fly agaric (pictured top right), the intricate pattern of a turkey tail fungus, the parasitic fungus that creates the lobster mushroom, or the strange, bulbous shape of a puffball — all these fungi are part of an intricate ecosystem in our Oregon woods. With each foraging trip, their understanding of the natural world deepens, as does their appreciation for the small wonders that often go unnoticed. And if we are lucky, we come home with a basket full of edible mushrooms for dinner as well!

Mushroom Safety Tips While foraging is fun, it’s crucial to remember that not all mushrooms are safe to touch or eat. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind: Never consume a mushroom unless you’re 100% sure it’s edible. Many mushrooms look similar to poisonous varieties, so if there’s any doubt, leave it out. The fully illustrated field guide Mushrooms of Cascadia by Christian Schwarz and Noah Seigel can help you learn more about safe mushroom picking.

Teach kids not to touch their faces or put their hands in their mouths after handling mushrooms until they’ve washed their hands.

Stick to well-known areas for foraging, and avoid picking mushrooms near roadsides or in areas that may have been treated with chemicals.

More spots to forage

Navigating the Woods with ON x Maps

Tillamook State Forest This hilly and off-trail wilderness area is well known for its lobster mushrooms (starting in late summer into fall) and chanterelles later in the fall and early winter.

Tumala Mountain Area This wilderness area teeming with coniferous trees does not have many marked trails. We have found hedgehogs, cauliflower mushrooms, chanterelles and lobster mushrooms here in the fall. Early in the fall we have also found matsutake mushrooms.

Cape Lookout Trail This 5-mile, round trip trail is all switchbacks downhill to a beach.

A variety of fungi such as oyster mushrooms and lobster mushrooms grow right next to the trail in the fall after a soaking rain.

While the thrill of discovery is a big part of mushroom foraging, ensuring your family’s safety is paramount. Forests can be vast and Roma Sidelinger is a homeschool mom to three young boys and founder of Wild disorienting, especially when you’re focused on the ground looking and Barefoot Nature group. She created wildandbarefootadventures.com, a website for mushrooms. It’s surprisingly easy to lose your sense of direction, with nature curriculum that links learning topics to outdoor adventures throughout so it’s important to have a reliable way to stay on track.

Oregon. When she isn’t in the woods with her kids, Roma is a brown belt in jiu jitsu This is where technology comes in handy. Using a navigation and co-owns a gym with her husband in Molalla. app like ON x Maps can be a gamechanger. Before you start your foraging adventure, open the app and mark your starting point. As you explore, you can track your route, making it easy to find your way back if you stray off course. The app also allows you to mark spots where Early Learning School Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 14950 SW Osprey Drive, Beaverton, OR 97007 4845 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton, OR 97005 you’ve found mushrooms, so you can 503-644-1466 | sunshine-montessori.com 503-579-0600 | childs-place.com return to those areas in the future.

Ages: 2 years through Kindergarten Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)

• Locally owned and operated • Serving the community since 1996 • Qualified & consistent staff

525 SW 150th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006 503-626-0457 | www.nwlearning.com Ages: Infant through Kindergarten Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)

Ages: Infant through Kindergarten Hours 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)

• Large outdoor play areas • Snacks & lunch prepared and served daily

Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 17650 SW Alexander Street, Aloha, OR 97003 503-591-9660 | www.mayflower-montessori.com Ages: Infant through Kindergarten Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)

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time out

OCTOBER 2024

Go. Play.

Explore. behind the wheel

DOZER DAY VANCOUVER

There’s just something about construction trucks that toddlers and preschoolers adore. Let your littles get their fill of garbage trucks, bulldozers, excavators and more at Dozer Day Vancouver. The best part is kids actually get to operate the heavy equipment (with the help of a grownup, of course). Pro tip: Get there early and get in the line to drive the equipment right away — and prepare your kiddos for a wait, but it’s totally worth it! Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6, 11 am-4 pm. Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield, Wash. $15 per kid or adult. Babies 2 and younger are free. Vancouver.dozerday.org.

— Denise Castañon

bountiful Head to Hood River’s scenic waterfront for the Gorge’s biggest fall celebration: the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest. Stock up on seasonal favorites like apples and pears, smoked salmon and fresh fruit pies. Plus live music and an artisan marketplace. FridaySunday, October 11-13 at the Hood River event site. Admission is $12 adults; kids 12 and under are free.

Hoodriverharvestfestival.com. — T.H.

One of our favorite backstories, Wicked, the “untold true story of the witches of Oz,” opens this month at Keller. The Broadway show will be a fun night out for Wizard of Oz fans, musical theater buffs and everyone in between. Pro tip: Recommended age for children is 8 and up; no children under 5 admitted. October 16 to November 3. Tickets start at $59. Portland.broadway.com/shows/ wicked-2. — Tiffany Hill

MEG ASBY

TRISK ELEE FAR M

defying gravity

Celebrate the bounty of the harvest at Triskelee Farm’s Fall Fest. Kids can trick-or-treat, play carnival games, scamper on the hay pyramid and bounce house, watch a kids’ performer at 11 am and much more! Food and drinks for purchase. Saturdays and Sundays in October, 10am-3 pm. $15 for kids 2-12. Purchase tickets at triskeleefarm.com. — D.C. 42

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PWEST LINN PUMPK IN DISPL AY

pumpkin spice season

so classic

HOOD RIVER VALLEY HARVEST FEST

DENISE C ASTAÑON

Celebrating its 70th year, the Portland Greek Festival is one of the city’s most popular, and biggest cultural fall events. Join in the fun for Greek food delicacies, dancing, music, games and more. Even better, a portion of admission proceeds is donated to local nonprofits in the Portland metro area. FridaySunday, October 4-6 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Admission is $5; kids 10 and under are free.

Portlandgreekfestival.com.

— T.H. Find more family fun on our online calendar:

pdxparent.com/ events-calendar.

Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.

Top 3 Free Fun stuff for zero dollars!

If you’ve ever carved a jack o’lantern for Halloween, then you know it’s work. That’s why we have a huge appreciation for the gourd-slicing artisans who participate in the annual Pumpkin Display at West Linn. Here you’ll find more than 200 intricately carved pumpkins in a variety of themes from scary-movie characters, pop culture trends, local scenes and much more. In addition to the pumpkin display, there’s also a fun laser and light show each night. October 19-20, 25-27 and on Halloween from 5-9:30 pm. Free admission. Pumpkindisplaywestlinn.com.

— T.H.

PORTL AND MAR ATHON

Runners of all ages will hit the streets for the annual Portland Marathon, half marathon and 10K races. Kids can join the race excitement for free with the Doernbecher Kids Run, a spectatorfriendly, out-and-back route on Naito Parkway along Waterfront Park.

The kids’ race begins under the same large start arch that is used by the marathon runners. Sunday, October 6; kids race at 11:30 am. Find out more at portlandmarathon.com/info#kids_run. — D.C.

Get cooking at the Multnomah County Library to celebrate the second half of Hispanic Heritage Month! Local chef Edurne Garcia-Andre teaches your family how to make healthy and delicious Mexican black bean soup on Monday, October 7, 5:30-7 pm at Sellwood-Moreland Library and on Wednesday, October 16, 4:30-6 pm at Gresham Library. Craving something sweet? Attend a churro-making demonstration on Sunday, October 6, 1-2:30 pm at Fairview-Columbia Library and on Sunday, October 13, 2-4 pm at Central Library. Free, but registration is required. Multcolib.org/events-classes. — D.C.

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